CELG(4) HIS 17

Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

Inquiry into the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Policy

Response from the Aberystwyth District Civic Society

The Aberystwyth and District Civic Society feels that there are considerable disadvantages to merging the functions of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales with Cadw.

At the present time the Royal Commission provides a heritage service for the whole of Wales. The location of the library and archive in Aberystwyth is advantageous to those living in north and south Wales due to its central position in the country.

The service provided by the Royal Commission to the general public in the opinion of this society is of a very high standard. It is staffed by knowledgeable and helpful staff and in my experience is used not only by researching academics but also by ordinary members of the public who value the heritage of their own locality and that of Wales. Our great fear as a society is that, as a result of a merger, the archive now held at the Royal Commission’s Office at Aberystwyth will be boxed up and become inaccessible to the general public.

We, as a society dedicated to preserving our built heritage, have always been well supported by speakers from the Royal Commission as have many other societies throughout Wales. We consider that community engagement is very important for all public bodies in Wales in the 21C.

Richard Lewis.

 Chairman  Aberystwyth and District Civic Society

Brief description of the role of Aberystwyth Civic Society

To promote civic pride and to try and ensure the preservation and development of public amenity or historical interest in the area. Encourage high standards of planning and architecture. Enable local people to reach a better informed view of any proposals of consequence affecting the area.